Canada's Autism Strategy

Table of contents

• Meet the cover page artist
• Minister's message
• Context
  • Autism in Canada
  • Informing the strategy
  • Roles and responsibilities for autism in Canada
• Canada's Autism Strategy
  • Vision
  • Purpose
  • Scope
• Guiding principles
  • Evidence-informed approach
  • Human rights-based approach
  • "Nothing Without Us" approach
  • Intersectionality and diversity
  • Distinctions-based approach
  • Life-course approach
  • Collaboration
• Strategy priority areas and actions
  • Priority area 1: Screening, diagnosis and services
  • Priority area 2: Economic inclusion
  • Priority area 3: Data collection, public health surveillance, and research
  • Priority area 4: Public awareness, understanding and acceptance
  • Priority area 5: Tools and resources
• Moving forward with implementation
  • National Autism Strategy Secretariat
  • National Autism Network
  • Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Autism (FPT Working Group)
  • Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Autism
  • Distinctions-based approaches to implementation
  • Embracing lived experiences
• Appendices
  • Appendix A: Current federal initiatives in Canada
  • Appendix B: Federal Framework on Autism Spectrum Disorder Act

Meet the cover page artist

"I am not only special. I am extra special."

Cover Page Description: Raymund is fascinated with flowing water. He loves looking at waterfalls. Flowing water doesn't have any direction. It flows in different channels. Not having an early diagnosis and support leaves a person with autism to just go with the flow and not have any guidance and direction to improve and maximize their potential. (AIDE Canada, 2022)

Minister's message

I am pleased to share Canada's first Autism Strategy. This strategy marks a key milestone in our efforts to ensure Autistic people living in Canada are accepted, included, and supported to experience an optimal quality of life, from childhood through adulthood. It is a multi-year action plan that will be updated on a regular basis, as the needs and priorities for autism and the neurodiverse community evolve. It outlines specific federal initiatives that address five key priority areas:

• Improve screening, diagnosis and services across Canada;
• Strengthen economic inclusion;
• Enhance public health surveillance, data collection and research;
• Increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance; and
• Facilitate accessibility to evidence-informed autism resources and tools.

The strategy supports the implementation of the Framework for Autism in Canada, and builds on important initiatives and investments that are already in place, such as Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The strategy highlights some key existing measures that we know contribute to the financial stability and security of Autistic persons in Canada such as tax measures and benefits, employment programming, financial literacy and planning and housing supports. The strategy aligns with other countries who have also developed national autism strategies, and contributes to Canada's implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Since 2019, we have been working in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and others towards the creation of this strategy. It was also informed by a broad and inclusive engagement process with Autistic people, their families, and caregivers, including through a scientific review by the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and through the 2022 and 2024 National Autism Conferences.

I would like to thank everyone who shared their knowledge, personal stories, and feedback along the way. Hearing a wide range of perspectives helped us to develop a strategy that is grounded in lived experience, and reflects the breadth of experiences within the Autistic community, the important role of caregivers, and the evolving needs and contributions of Autistic people throughout their lives.

It is my sincere hope that this strategy will improve the health and well-being of Autistic people living in Canada, their families and caregivers.

The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Health

Context

Autism in Canada

Autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Autistic people may communicate and connect with other people differently, have sensory processing differences, or focus intensely on certain interests or activities. They may also have other disabilities or conditions that affect learning, cognitive functioning, and physical or mental health, which can introduce complexities and challenges. Since everyone has different experiences and characteristics, the type and extent of supports needed can vary considerably and should be adapted to individual needs.

According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth (CHSCY), 1 in 50 (or 2%) children and youth living in Canada aged 1 to 17 years were diagnosed with autism. The Government of Canada continues to explore options to measure and report on autism in adults living in Canada in an effort to build the evidence base required to inform public health actions aimed at improving the health and well-being of Autistic people across the life course.

In Canada, the availability and accessibility of autism services and supports differs significantly across provinces and territories, and even across the life course. There are efforts underway to improve equitable access and better understand the ongoing needs of Autistic people of all ages, from children to youth to adults and older adults.

Informing the strategy

In 2007, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology released a historic report entitled, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis after its enquiry on funding for autism in Canada. The Report recommended that the federal government establish a comprehensive autism strategy with the participation of the provinces and the territories. In 2019 and 2021, the Minister of Health's mandate letters included a commitment to work collaboratively with provinces, territories, families, and stakeholders toward the creation of an autism strategy. In 2023, the Federal Framework on Autism Spectrum Disorder Act received Royal Assent, outlining a framework to guide our efforts to provide much needed support to Canadians on the autism spectrum, their families and caregivers. The Framework for Autism in Canada (the framework) sets out guiding principles related to autism policies and programs in Canada and federal-specific measures to be implemented in response to the Act. It provides an overarching direction to inspire action, while respecting provincial and territorial areas of jurisdiction.

Canada's Autism Strategy (the strategy) is reflective of the important views and input provided through varied engagement mechanisms and is used to guide current and future implementation efforts. The strategy was informed by the findings of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences' engagement activities and scientific review, along with the discussions, collaboration and knowledge-sharing that took place at the 2022 and 2024 National Autism Conferences, and the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) engagement with federal partners, provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, Autistic people, families, and other stakeholders.

The strategy supports implementation of the Framework for Autism in Canada. It is intended to be updated on a regular basis, as the needs and priorities for Autistic children, youth, adults and older adults in Canada, their advocates, families, and caregivers evolve over time. The Government of Canada recognizes that establishing positive working relationships and mechanisms for ongoing engagement is critical and will continue advancing autism priorities, in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. The “Moving Forward with Implementation” section of the strategy describes the mechanisms for collaborative engagement, accountability, and reporting. It also details how Autistic Canadians, their families and caregivers will be involved on an ongoing basis, in providing input on policies and programs that affect them.

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences' assessment on autism

In 2020, PHAC provided $1.67 million to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) to undertake a neutral, arms-length assessment on autism. The CAHS conducted a broad and inclusive public engagement, open to all individuals living in Canada, and undertook a thorough evidence-based scientific review through a social determinants of health lens.

The CAHS provided the following engagement opportunities to give all individuals living in Canada the opportunity to participate:

• Stakeholder organization written submissions
• Pan-Canadian opinion surveys (2) and web-based focus groups (2)
• Indigenous engagement
• Online platform (The Engagement Hub)
• Virtual stakeholder consultations (Community Conversations and Policy Discussions)

The CAHS Autism Assessment Report, Autism in Canada: Considerations for future public policy development was published on May 10, 2022. Findings were divided into 5 key themes: 1) Intersectionality and Diversity, 2) Social Inclusion, 3) Diagnosis, Supports, and Services, 4) Economic Inclusion, and 5) Positioning for Impact.

This strategy draws heavily from the findings of the 2022 CAHS report. The report helped to provide a comprehensive picture of the needs and realities of Autistic people in Canada.

2022 National Autism Conference

On November 15-16, 2022, PHAC hosted the Government of Canada's first National Autism Conference which was a key milestone in the development of the Framework for Autism in Canada and Canada's Autism Strategy. The Conference brought people together from across Canada to identify priorities for action over the short, medium, and long-term.

PHAC led engagements with several groups in preparation for the conference:

1. The National Autism Strategy: National Conference Planning Interdepartmental Working Group was formed to support the planning for a National Conference on Autism.
2. National and regional autism stakeholders were engaged via virtual roundtable discussions to ensure that the diverse perspectives of Autistic people living in Canada were considered in the conference planning.
3. Finally, Persons with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE) were engaged as a best practice to inform the planning of an accessible and inclusive conference.

The discussions throughout the conference focused on meaningful employment; financial pressures that Autistic people and families face; physical and emotional safety; the evolving need for autism-inclusive supports related to housing and health human resources; considerations regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion; and how current and ongoing research on autism could be supported to inform policy and program development. Panel participants provided a breadth of perspectives including concrete, actionable items for an autism strategy and gave suggestions related to short, medium and long-term policy objectives.

This strategy draws from what was heard at the Government of Canada's 2022 National Autism Conference. The conference also helped to provide a comprehensive picture of the needs and realities of Autistic people in Canada.

Please refer to Appendix B of the Framework for Autism in Canada for a description of the topics discussed at the conference.

2024 National Autism Conference

PHAC hosted the Government of Canada’s second National Autism Conference on August 27, 2024 to build on the previous engagement that took place during the development of the Framework for Autism in Canada and the strategy. An Advisory Planning Committee, which included people with lived and living experience, supported PHAC in the overall planning and approach to an inclusive national conference. Well over 600 participants, including; Autistic people, families, caregivers, academics, service providers, and government representatives, discussed the five priority areas of the framework and strategy and the actions needed to advance them.

The objectives of this conference were to:

• Close the loop: Demonstrate how feedback obtained through extensive engagement is being reflected in the Framework for Autism in Canada
• Outline actions: Review how the federal government plans to address the framework priorities
• Discuss next steps: Explore considerations for implementing the framework

Input received from conference panelists and participants was used to inform the final versions of the framework and strategy.

Engagement with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous Peoples

The CAHS Assessment on Autism was informed by an Indigenous Advisory Committee that was responsible for overseeing the entire process, from data collection to the final report. The Advisory Committee provided guidance to the Oversight Panel on how best to reflect the unique issues of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples within the context of a Pan-Canadian assessment. The Committee included two First Nations members, one Métis member, as well as a First Nations researcher focused on autism.

The CAHS' report indicated that their engagement with Indigenous Peoples had been preliminary and limited in scope, with the expectation of future inclusion and consultation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis health leaders.

Subsequently, since 2022 PHAC has collaborated with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to undertake a joint engagement process with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples regarding the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), the strategy and a Framework for Autism in Canada. Engagement was Indigenous-led and distinctions-based, undertaken by National Indigenous Organizations who had existing Engagement Protocol Agreements with ESDC.

The strategy recognizes that Indigenous communities and individuals have distinct understandings and lived experiences of autism. The Government of Canada will continue to take an Indigenous-led approach to engaging with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples to inform the way forward and to explore distinctions-based and Indigenous-led approaches to addressing autism-related priorities.

Engagement with provinces and territories

In 2022, PHAC established the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Working Group on Autism to inform the development of Canada's Autism Strategy and Framework for Autism in Canada; and to provide a forum for collaboration, sharing best practices, and discussion of programs, policies and issues related to autism.

The FPT Working Group on Autism provides a forum which enables FPT governments to:

• Collaborate, share best practices, and discuss programs, policies and issues related to autism;
• Strengthen FPT relationships for the purpose of addressing the health, social and economic challenges of autism; and advance the opportunities and best practices identified in the Framework on Autism, consistent with jurisdictional responsibilities. These opportunities and best practices provide a roadmap to inform future interdepartmental and intergovernmental collaboration.

The Government of Canada will continue engaging with provinces and territories as the strategy is implemented, evaluated and updated. The "Moving Forward with Implementation" section of the strategy provides additional details.

Engagement with federal departments

In 2020, PHAC established the Director General Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Autism (the DG Steering Committee) to ensure federal interdepartmental collaboration and information sharing as the Government of Canada worked toward the development of Canada's Autism Strategy and the Framework for Autism in Canada. The Steering Committee is an information sharing body and provides advice on federal policies and programs related to autism. Engagement with federal departments will continue as the strategy is implemented and updated to reflect the evolving needs of Autistic people and those who advocate and care for them. See the "Moving Forward with Implementation" section of the strategy for additional details on how this Committee will play a role in implementation.

Roles and responsibilities for autism in Canada

In Canada, the federal, provincial and territorial governments and many stakeholders and sectors play a significant role in improving the health and well-being of Autistic people of all ages. The federal government promotes and protects the health of Autistic people in Canada, while respecting provincial and territorial areas of primary jurisdiction which includes the administration and delivery of most health, education, and social supports and services.

The Government of Canada's responsibilities for autism include:

• Conducting public health surveillance, data collection and knowledge-translation
• Developing and implementing federal policies
• Increasing understanding, inclusion and acceptance
• Funding community-based programs
• Supporting ongoing research
• Administering certain financial supports
• Engaging, convening, and collaborating with stakeholders to advance opportunities and best practices set out in the framework

Canada's Autism Strategy focuses on federal actions that can be implemented in the short to medium-term. The Government of Canada will continue working collaboratively, with other federal government departments (DG Steering Committee), with provinces and territories (FPT Working Group), with a new National Autism Network that includes Autistic people, families and caregivers, and with Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders on implementation of initiatives that will strengthen the provision of supports and services across all five priority areas over the longer term. Further details on implementation of the strategy can be found in the section titled, 'Moving Forward with Implementation'.

Canada's Autism Strategy

Purpose

The purpose of Canada's Autism Strategy is to support federal implementation of the Framework for Autism in Canada, to ensure Autistic people living in Canada are accepted, included, and supported to experience an optimal quality of life. It is a tool for the Government of Canada to continue advancing autism priorities, in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders.

Scope

Canada’s Autism Strategy is a federal, multi-year strategic plan that outlines short and medium- term initiatives and builds on existing federal programs and measures. It aims to increase public understanding and acceptance of autism, improve screening, diagnosis and services, strengthen economic inclusion, enhance data collection, public health surveillance and research and further accessibility to evidence-informed autism resources and tools. The strategy is intended to be updated on a regular basis, as the actions are implemented and the needs and priorities of Autistic people, of all ages, and those of their advocates and caregivers evolve over time over the life-course.

Guiding principles

The strategy is guided by the following principles laid out in the Framework for Autism in Canada, including:

Evidence-informed approach

Involves collecting, critically analyzing, and sharing the highest quality evidence available to inform public health recommendations and decision making (National Collaboration Centre for Methods and Tools, 2024).

Human rights-based approach

Acknowledges existing inequalities and marginalization in society with the goal of advancing human rights for all (Government of Canada, 2017).

"Nothing Without Us" approach

Refers to an approach that meaningfully involves persons with disabilities in the development of all Government systems, policies, programs, and services (Accessible Canada Act). This also includes meaningfully involving advocates of persons with disabilities (for children or those who can't speak for themselves).

Intersectionality and diversity

Government systems, policies, programs and services must consider the various traits, experiences and identities that individuals possess, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination that they experience (GBA Plus)

Distinctions-based approach

Recognizes the unique and differing histories, interests and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples (CIHI, 2020), regardless of residence.

Life-course approach

Attempts to improve the health and well-being of populations at all life stages (including children, youth, adults and older adults) whilst acknowledging that past and present experiences are shaped by dynamic social, economic, and cultural factors (WHO, 2000).

Collaboration

Offers a possibility to learn from others through the sharing of knowledge, best practices, data, and research. This approach benefits policy development by integrating an array of expertise and perspectives, thus maximizing the chance that policy will be effective and broadly implemented (A Dementia Strategy for Canada, 2019).

Strategy priority areas and actions

Canada's Autism Strategy outlines five priority areas: screening, diagnosis and services; economic inclusion; data collection, public health surveillance, and research; public awareness, understanding and acceptance; and tools and resources. These priorities were identified through extensive engagement activities with various stakeholders and partners, including those with lived and living experience. The actions under each priority area build on existing federal programs and measures that aim to improve the health and well-being of Autistic people, their advocates, families and caregivers.

Note: Detailed context on each of the priority areas can be found in the Framework for Autism in Canada.

Priority area 1: Screening, diagnosis and services

Autistic people and their families face many challenges when seeking screening, diagnosis and services, including: long wait times and inconsistent diagnostic policies and practices; burdensome out-of-pocket costs; difficulty accessing consistent therapeutic services; and insufficient workforce capacity. Autistic children or adults with complex support needs face unique challenges, and may rely on advocates if they are not able to speak or advocate for themselves.

There is a need for up-to-date professional training on autism, informed by Autistic people and their families. There is also a need for increased clarity and consensus around standards of autism care and national guidelines for diagnosis. In particular, there are gaps in standards of care for adolescents and adults. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for autism screening, diagnosis, and other supports and services for their residents delivered by their ministries of health, education and social services.

While respecting provincial/territorial jurisdictional responsibilities, the Government of Canada focuses on federal areas of responsibility for health which include:

• Setting national principles so that quality healthcare, including mental health, is available to all people living in Canada.
• Promoting and protecting the health of people in Canada by:
  • Developing policies and guidelines, and supporting implementation through awareness, acceptance and education (see also Priority 4).
  • Facilitating community-based programming.
  • Data collection and public health surveillance (see also Priority 3).
  • Facilitating research and innovation to understand autism and support the development of new screening and diagnostic tools and standards of care for Autistic people and best practices to support the social inclusion of people with disabilities (see also Priority 3).
  • Collaborating and engaging with provinces and territories, Indigenous and international partners and other sectors regarding autism.
  • Supporting the delivery of healthcare to First Nations, Inuit and other specific groups.

Actions

Federal actions to strengthen screening, diagnosis and services will include working with partners and stakeholders to:

• Facilitate the development of and updates to national guidelines for screening, diagnosis and services in gap areas, including for adolescents and adults, while considering opportunities for systems redesign so that mainstream services can meet the needs of Autistic people.
• Develop information and communication materials to support human resource strategies at provincial/territorial and community levels. This could include facilitating the development of training materials for health care and service providers on autism, its signs, and available resources, as well as toolkits for hiring and accommodating Autistic employees.
• Recognize workforce capacity as a strategic priority, assessing the current and future outlook of human resources in healthcare and allied health professions delivering autism services, including:
  • The labour market dynamics of recruitment, training, retention, and reasons for exit.
  • Intersectional considerations (for example, region and traits of both service providers and service seekers).
  • The pathways and obstacles to hiring Autistic professionals.

Priority area 2: Economic inclusion

The costs associated with autism are high, typically increase over the life-course, and may preclude full participation in society. Financial stability and security are important social determinants of health and are directly tied to quality of life, which tends to be lower for Autistic people in Canada.

In the context of Canada’s Autism Strategy, the priority area of Economic Inclusion focuses on the key economic factors impacting Autistic persons in Canada and their families, such as financial security, employment, and appropriate housing.

While respecting provincial/territorial areas of jurisdiction, the Government of Canada focuses on federal areas of economic responsibility which include:

• Developing and evaluating federal tax policies and legislation.
• Administering federal tax-related programs across Canada.
• Moving forward economic and social policies and programs to increase, economic and social security while supporting and improving the well-being of persons and families living with disabilities, including autism.
• Providing opportunities for people living in Canada to gain the skills and experience needed to obtain good quality jobs and have the appropriate financial security and the quality of life they deserve.
• Improving access to affordable, sound and suitable housing by using a mix of funding, grants and loans.
• Protecting consumers by reducing financial barriers and strengthening financial literacy to help equip people living in Canada with the skills and capacity to make informed financial decisions, and take actions that lead to positive financial outcomes in order to build financial resilience.

Actions

Federal actions to strengthen economic inclusion will include working with partners and stakeholders to:

• Leverage existing actions in the National Housing Strategy to help address autism priorities in Canada, including:
  • Ensuring that housing is socially inclusive and sustainable through factors such as: accessible housing, housing with supportive wrap-around services and housing located close to services, transit and employment.
  • Addressing the housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, such as persons with disabilities (including Autistic children and Autistic adults with complex support needs).
  • Promoting and sharing housing solutions across Canada through interdisciplinary communities of practice and targeted knowledge sharing.
• Consider the needs of Autistic Canadians when contemplating changes to tax measures.
• Move forward with the implementation of the Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada which includes the commitment to hire 5,000 employees with disabilities in the public service by 2025.
• Undertake research to better understand the additional costs associated with autism over the life-course, and on the accessibility and completion of post-secondary education for Autistic people.
• Raise awareness about resources available to support neurodiverse persons and their families through the Registered Disability Savings Plan including the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond, as well as other Canadian and provincial/territorial tax measures and benefits.
• Develop materials to promote autism-inclusive workplaces and ensure that employers and coworkers understand the needs and strengths of Autistic workers. These could include evidence-based guidelines for human resources and employers; employer awards and incentives for training; and recommendations on long-term inclusive hiring practices.
• Support mentorship opportunities for Autistic adults and young adults in the workforce to strengthen skill sets and support community building, job acquisition and retention.
• Leverage existing actions in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan to help address priorities for Autistic persons and other persons with disabilities in Canada, including:
  • Implementation of an Employment Strategy for Persons with Disabilities, which includes the following goals:
    • Help individuals find and maintain good jobs, advance in their careers or become entrepreneurs;
    • Support employers as they develop inclusive and accessible workplaces; and
    • Aid organizations and individuals who support persons with disabilities in employment.
  • Working with the Disability Inclusion Business Council, to improve disability inclusion in Canadian workplaces through its provision of advice and recommendations to support businesses on how to improve disability inclusion in the workplace and the development of an independent, self-governed disability business network.
  • Promoting the Canada Disability Benefit, and encouraging application for those who may be eligible.

Priority area 3: Data collection, public health surveillance, and research

While data collection from the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System, the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY), the Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) and integrated health systems (for example, datasets developed through partnerships between Canadian universities or research institutes) have helped to advance Canada-specific autism knowledge, there are some limitations.

Data collection in support of public health surveillance and research often operates with short-term funding. As a result, efforts may be easily disrupted by lack of longer term funding, with longitudinal data collection being particularly costly and difficult to establish and maintain. A "functional" disability approach, which focuses on a person's limited ability to perform certain functional activities due to physical, medical or cognition challenges instead of diagnostic labels like autism, has been adopted by some pan-Canadian surveys (for example, the CSD) impacting the availability of information about the experiences of Autistic people in Canada. In addition, population based surveys often exclude key sub-groups, and integrated datasets may over-represent particular groups or jurisdictions and therefore, may not be reflective of Canada's geographic, economic and cultural diversity.

Public health surveillance and research support the Government of Canada's health promotion and chronic disease prevention programming by providing timely and relevant information on the health of the Canadian population. Public health surveillance refers to the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health-related data essential to planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. Research refers to activities designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge i.e., theories, principles, relationships, or the information on which these are based, that can be confirmed or refuted by recognized methods of observation, experiment, and inference. Public health surveillance and research are connected, as it is often through public health surveillance that research questions emerge (and vice versa).

Efforts to involve Autistic people in discussions regarding public health surveillance and research priorities and data collection, especially those that have been historically excluded, is important in addressing gaps, building trust and ensuring the data and research evidence are being used in a way that benefits and improves the lives of all Autistic people in Canada. Federal agencies work with provinces and territories to improve the way public health surveillance and research are carried out across jurisdictions in Canada through the harmonization of data elements, improved data sharing, among other initiatives. This role is crucial, given that systems, practices, standards, policies and legislation vary significantly from one region of Canada to another.

Actions

Federal actions to strengthen data collection, public health surveillance, and research will include working with partners and stakeholders to:

• Advance guidelines for researchers on inclusive and participatory research approaches that include respectful engagement, direct and intentional inclusion, accessibility and accommodations, individualized approaches, flexible options and being attentive and responsive.
• Establish a national research network, to support information sharing and collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions, enable improved data collection and promote research on autism.
• Support interdisciplinary research, capacity development and knowledge mobilization to further our understanding of autism across the life course and support the development of new screening and diagnostic tools, standards of care, and evidence-based, supports to meet the needs of Autistic people at all ages and stages of life.
• Support PHAC's national autism public health surveillance activities, including the development of new data and reporting on indicators beyond prevalence (such as demographics, diversity and equity, co-occurring conditions and Indigenous health), as well as all jurisdictions, and age ranges (children, youth, adults), where possible.
• Leverage existing actions in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan to help address autism priorities in Canada, including filling disability (including autism) data gaps by developing a Disability Data Improvement Strategy in collaboration with the disability community.

Priority area 4: Public awareness, understanding and acceptance

Autistic people are often subjected to stigma and discrimination which can interfere with their access to education, employment, housing, healthcare, safety, dignity and self-determination. Discrimination in these contexts has been associated with poorer mental health and higher rates of suicide.

It has been shown that Autistic people do not always feel safe or meaningfully included in their communities. These experiences and societal stigma are a major public health issue as they produce social inequalities and reduce the quality of life of Autistic people, family members and their supporters.

While respecting provincial/territorial jurisdiction, the Government of Canada focuses on federal areas of responsibility which include promoting and protecting the health of all people living in Canada, including people on the autism spectrum and those with other neurodevelopmental conditions. It is responsible for implementing policies and programs that enhance the conditions within which healthy development takes place. Through action founded on the principles of population and public health, the Government of Canada addresses the determinants of health and facilitates successful movement through the life-course.

Actions

Federal actions to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism will include working with partners and stakeholders to:

• Facilitate the advancement of education and training programs to combat negative stereotypes and increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism.
• Support the launch of a national autism knowledge, understanding and acceptance campaign, accounting for intersectionality and fostering inclusivity.
• Leverage existing actions in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan to help address autism priorities in Canada, including:
  • Improving accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces through renovation, construction, and retrofit projects under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) which aims to make spaces more accessible.
  • Bringing federal partners, Indigenous partners, regulated entities, the private sector, academia, the disability community and provincial/territorial partners together at events that promote inclusion such as the Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion.
• Fund Indigenous Organizations as they engage Autistic people in Canada on the strategy.
• Involve persons with autism, or their advocates in implementing, monitoring and updating the strategy.

Priority area 5: Tools and resources

Autistic people and their caregivers benefit tremendously when they have access to information and support through evidence-based, culturally-relevant, equity-informed, up to date, and accessible tools and resources.

Information about the condition, best practices, locally available supports and services (including details on wait times), can help Autistic people and their caregivers to self-advocate, better navigate the systems in place, and access supports. Information about financial assistance, housing rights, and navigating financial and housing support systems is also essential. Providing information on digital literacy skills can empower Autistic people to interact online safely and resources with information about rights and supports can help foster self-advocacy, as well as social and emotional safety.

While respecting provincial/territorial jurisdictional responsibilities, the Government of Canada focuses on federal areas of responsibility which include supporting knowledge translation, and contributing to the development of tools and resources to promote the health and well-being of people in Canada.

Actions

Federal actions to strengthen access to sustained, culturally relevant, and evidence informed tools and resources will include working with partners and stakeholders to:

• Develop new tools and resources in gap areas.
• Translate existing tools and resources to additional languages and encourage other organisations to ensure that the tools and resources they develop are accessible to different disability needs (i.e. for hearing, visually, cognitively impaired persons).
• Mobilize research evidence with key groups.
• Improve access to navigation services for current, evidence-based information and resources.
• Work with Provinces and Territories to identify opportunities to provide guidance for service professionals who work closely with Autistic people (for example health professionals, first responders, etc.).
• Support the integration of online resources.
• Ensure sustained, accessible and culturally relevant resources, available online and elsewhere, on best available evidence based information to support autistic persons, their families and caregivers, including information supports and services, through platforms such as AIDE Canada.

Moving forward with implementation

In order for the strategy to support implementation of the Framework for Autism in Canada, an Implementation Plan with clear objectives, deliverables, milestones, accountabilities and investment sources is required. It is also important that the Implementation Plan be co-developed and informed by multiple partners and stakeholders. Finally, it is important that the Implementation Plan be updated on a regular basis, as the needs and priorities for Autistic children, youth, adults and older adults in Canada, their advocates, families, and caregivers evolve over time.

Over the next five years, implementation of the Framework for Autism in Canada will be advanced through different governance mechanisms: the FPT Working Group on Autism, the Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Autism, and a new national network of autism experts, including people with lived and living experience, their advocates, families and caregivers. PHAC will also continue exploring distinctions-based and Indigenous-led approaches to addressing autism-related priorities for Indigenous communities.

National Autism Strategy Secretariat

PHAC's National Autism Strategy Secretariat (NASS) will lead the coordination of activities to implement the framework and strategy and will prioritize and align its future work with the actions identified under each priority area. This will include bringing partners together through established governance mechanisms that involve provinces, territories, other federal departments; and through the creation of a new network that will engage experts and stakeholders on an ongoing basis. More information on these mechanisms is provided below.

National Autism Network

PHAC will provide funding to establish a National Autism Network (the Network) to support the implementation of targeted measures and initiatives that will advance progress in key priority areas. These measures will include:

• the creation of advisory committees comprised of Autistic people, advocates and family members to provide experience and expertise on policy and program development;
• outlining the parameters for a national research network to promote interdisciplinary research, capacity development and knowledge mobilization to further the understanding of autism across the life course and support the development of new screening and diagnostic tools, standards of care and evidence-based supports to meet the needs of Autistic people at all ages and stages of life;
• improved access to tools and resources for Autistic people, their advocates, family members and caregivers;
• targeted campaigns to promote national knowledge, understanding and acceptance of Autistic people.

The Network will be a not-for-profit organization composed of operational staff, a board of directors, and general membership. The Network will be grounded in inclusivity, ensuring that people with lived and living experience are meaningfully involved and fairly compensated for their work and contributions. Network membership will therefore include Autistic people and their advocates, family members and caregivers, as well as other stakeholder groups and organizations. As such, it will integrate existing collaborative networks in a transparent and accountable manner.

The National Autism Network will be established with the following mandate:

• provide a forum for ongoing engagement of Autistic people on policies and programs that affect them, including through the creation of advisory bodies.
• bring together the skills and resources of autism organizations, stakeholders and other experts to provide advice, to exchange knowledge and to share best practices.
• provide support for public reporting on progress to address autism priorities.

To ensure the voices of those with lived and living experience, as well as system and clinical experts are included in shaping the development of the Implementation Plan for the Framework and Strategy, the Network will be tasked with conducting consultations to inform development of the plan, including benchmarks and indicators to measure progress in key priority areas.

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Autism (FPT Working Group)

The mandate of the FPT Working Group on Autism will be updated, through revised Terms of Reference and a corresponding workplan, to support implementation of the framework and the strategy. Specifically, PHAC will support the exchange of information and best practices across jurisdictions and sectors, and pursue opportunities to make progress in key priority areas, such as screening and diagnosis, economic inclusion and health human resources.

Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Autism

The mandate of the Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Autism will be updated to support implementation of the framework and strategy. For example, PHAC will ensure the voices of Autistic Canadians are considered in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which includes federal initiatives seeking to help persons with disabilities find and keep good jobs, advance in their careers or become entrepreneurs; support employers as they develop inclusive workplaces, and aid organizations and individuals who support persons with disabilities in employment.

Distinctions-based approaches to implementation

The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous communities and individuals have distinct understandings and lived experiences of autism and will continue to take an Indigenous-led approach to engaging with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban-Indigenous Peoples. This ongoing engagement will inform the way forward while exploring distinctions-based and Indigenous-led approaches to addressing autism-related priorities.

Embracing lived experiences

Most importantly, effective implementation of Canada's Autism Strategy requires diverse expertise and perspectives. A National Autism Network that brings together experts, including advocates, family members, caregivers and people with lived experience to provide advice on key priority areas on an ongoing basis will enrich the implementation of the framework and the strategy. One of the first steps of the Network will be to create Advisory Committees to consult on development of the implementation plan. The Advisory Committees will also provide input to other governing bodies, including the FPT Working Group and the Interdepartmental Steering Committee. This will ensure a coordinated approach across the country. In summary, by involving people with lived experience and other experts, while fostering cross-committee collaboration, we can ensure a continuity of actions that supports Autistic people, their advocates, caregivers and family members.

Appendices

Appendix A: Current federal initiatives in Canada

Active engagement and collaboration across federal government departments was instrumental in the development of this strategy. Canada's Autism Strategy is based on a whole-of-government approach, given that many federal departments develop and implement initiatives that support people on the autism spectrum, their families, and caregivers.

The following snapshots highlight some of the current federal initiatives in alphabetical order.

Accessible Technology Program

Department: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Helps Canadians with disabilities access the digital economy by developing innovative technologies.

Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR)

Department: Canadian Transportation Agency

One of the CTA's core mandates is to protect the fundamental right of persons with disabilities to accessible transportation services. The ATPDR help do this by providing a set of clear, consistent accessibility requirements for all types of federally regulated transportation.

Access to Reading and other Published Works for Persons with Print Disabilities

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Helps promote the economic and social inclusion of persons with disabilities by supporting the production of alternate format print materials for persons with print disabilities. Funding supports:

• production of alternate format materials by not-for-profit organizations.
• research to better understand gaps in availability of accessible reading materials; and,
• launch of a new Equitable Access to Reading Program to boost the production of accessible format reading materials through innovative partnerships.

Age-Friendly Communities

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada leads the Government of Canada's work to promote the adoption and implementation of the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Communities initiative across Canada. Age-Friendly Communities aim to create inclusive and accessible communities for older adults including the significant proportion who live with disabilities. The adoption of age-friendly environments is one of the four priorities under the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), a 2021 Ministerial mandate letter commitment.

Alternate Format Materials Transition Strategy

Department: Canadian Heritage; Employment and Social Development Canada; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Supports production of accessible books and addresses technology gaps that limit access to reading materials.

Assisted Living Program

Department: Indigenous Services Canada

Funds social support services for seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with mental and physical disabilities who live on reserve to help them maintain their independence.

Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada)

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

AIDE Canada provides access to online resources, including an inventory of services, supports, employment opportunities and local programming for families across the country. Six AIDE Canada locations across the country provide a point of access for Canadians to obtain resources and supports on autism. AIDE Canada also released a COVID-19 Resource Hub to share up-to-date, trusted information related to COVID-19 specifically tailored to or relevant for, Canadians on the autism spectrum, their families and caregivers.

Autism Sharing Initiative

Department: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

This project aims to create a federated, global network for sharing genomics and clinical data to accelerate discoveries and the development of precision therapeutics in autism.

Brain Canada Foundation

Department: Health Canada

The Brain Canada Foundation aims to accelerate, amplify and fund brain research across Canada. Brain Canada-funded researchers are working to implement new supports to help Autistic children from coast to coast reach their potential, with 30 grants awarded.

Canada Caregiver Credit

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The Canada Caregiver Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that is provided in recognition of the reduced ability to pay tax of individuals providing care for infirm family members

Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

A cornerstone of the Disability Inclusion Action plan, the Canada Disability Benefit Act came into force in June 2024. The goal of the benefit is to support the financial and social security of working-age persons with disabilities. As framework legislation, benefit details (such as eligibility, benefit amount and appeals processes) will be set in regulations which will be developed with input from the disability community.

Canada Pension Plan – Disability (CPPD) Benefits

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability program is Canada's largest income security program for persons with disabilities. It is an earnings-related, social insurance program intended to provide eligible contributors with partial income replacement if they are incapable of working regularly at any substantially gainful occupation due to a severe and prolonged disability. Eligibility for CPP Disability benefits is not determined on the basis of a particular disease, diagnosis, or condition alone.

Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (CSFA)

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Provides financial assistance for post-secondary students including for those with verified permanent disabilities, such as Autism, and persistent or prolonged disabilities (lasting at least 12 months). Enhanced supports and benefits for students with disabilities includes an increased lifetime limit on student loan assistance, the option of taking a reduced course load while maintaining full-time student status, specialized student loan repayment assistance, and targeted non-repayable Canada Student Grants. These grants include the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities which provides for exceptional education-related costs. The CSFA Program also provides payment free periods of up to 18-months for students taking a temporary leave from their studies for medical reasons (including mental health), and student loan forgiveness for borrowers with severe permanent disabilities.

Canada Workers' Benefit (CWB) – Disability Supplement

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The Canada Worker's Benefit is a refundable tax credit that supplements the earnings of low- and modest-income workers making work more rewarding and attractive for this group and providing an important source of income. It includes a Disability Supplement that makes the benefit more generous for those also eligible for the DTC.

Recent Improvements:

• Budget 2021: expanded the CWB to support about 1 million additional low- and modest-income Canadians. Corresponding changes were made to the CWB Disability Supplement.
• 2022 Fall Economic Statement: introduced automatic advance payments of the CWB for those who received the benefit in the previous year. The CWB Disability Supplement is also delivered through these new automatic advance payments.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Autism Research Investments

Department: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

CIHR funds autism-related research through its open, investigator-led programming which can be searched in the CIHR Funding Decisions Database.

Through Canada's Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), CIHR and its partners are investing in CHILD-BRIGHT, an innovative pan-Canadian network that aims to improve life outcomes for children with brain-based developmental disabilities and their families. The network's many projects include:

• "Ready 2 Work", an online vocational/employment readiness platform developed alongside self-advocates who operate vocational programs for young people with autism; and
• "MEGA TEAM", which is evaluating whether a take-home video game can improve executive functioning in children with autism.

Centralized Enabling Workplace Fund

Department: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

As part of the Government of Canada's accessibility agenda, this $10 million fund works to develop a government-wide approach to address workplace adjustments.

Child Disability Benefit

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The Child Disability Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made as part of the Canada Child Benefit to families who care for a child under age 18 who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

CIHR Anti-Ableism Action Plan

Department: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

CIHR is co-developing an Action Plan with the External Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Systemic Ableism. This plan will identify, prevent and remove barriers to participation in CIHR health research funding for persons with disabilities and ultimately aims to eliminate systemic ableism in Canada's health research funding system.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) is a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to disability inclusion. It embeds disability considerations across programs while identifying targeted investments in key areas to drive change. It builds on existing programs and measures that have sought to improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities and establishes new and meaningful actions.

The DIAP has four mutually reinforcing pillars of actions (Financial Security, Employment, Accessible and Inclusive Communities, and A Modern Approach to Disability) to improve the social and economic participation of persons with disabilities, and to shift perspectives and attitudes towards a more inclusive society.

Disability Inclusion Business Council

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

On December 7, 2022, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion announced the creation of the Disability Inclusion Business Council. The Council is comprised of nine senior business leaders that champion and advance disability inclusion in workplaces. Council members participate on a volunteer basis.

As a supportive measure under the Employment pillar of the Government of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Council will:

• develop and provide advice to the Minister on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Canadian businesses, including recommendations to support businesses on how to improve disability inclusion in the workplace; and,
• work on incubating, designing and launching an independent, self-governed disability business network.

Disability Supports Deduction

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The Disability Supports Deduction provides a deduction from income for income tax purposes of the costs incurred by persons with disabilities for certain disability supports required to enable them to earn business or employment income or to attend school.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that is provided in recognition of the impact of non-itemizable disability-related costs on the ability to pay tax.

Recent Improvements:

• Budget 2021 changes: Legislative changes to the eligibility criteria regarding mental functions necessary for everyday life were made to improve access to the DTC.
• Enhancing DTC Take-up: Facilitates DTC application process by improving information, clarifying eligibility criteria, creating an automated voice service application process and digital application form, and introducing DTC navigator positions.

A valid DTC certificate is also a requirement for accessing certain other tax-related measures, including:

• Registered disability savings plan
• Canada workers benefit disability supplement
• Child disability benefit

Elementary and Secondary Education for First Nation students on reserve

Department: Indigenous Services Canada

The Elementary and Secondary Education Program supports elementary and secondary education for First Nations students, schools and communities by working in partnership with First Nations to help close the education outcome gaps between First Nations peoples and other Canadians.

Following Budget 2016, investments to improve elementary and secondary education on reserve supported a new co-developed funding and policy approach to fundamentally transform education funding in order to better meet the needs of First Nations students ordinarily resident on reserve.

Implemented as of April 1, 2019, with subsequent investments in 2021 and 2022, the new co-developed framework:

• Replaces a number of outdated proposal-based programs with improved access to predictable core funding, the base funding of which is comparable to provincial systems across the country;
• provides First Nations kindergarten to grade 12 schools with additional support for language and culture programming;
• provides new resources that support full-time kindergarten in First Nations schools for children aged 4 and 5 years;
• provides supports for before and after school programing and menstrual products; and
• supports the development of regional education agreements to respond to the education goals and priorities set by participating First Nations communities.

This approach creates a more financially stable environment for First Nations education, enabling better quality and more consistent supports for students, schools, educators, communities and First Nations education organizations, conditions that help improve student outcomes.

Special education

The Elementary and Secondary Education Program also includes provincially- comparable funding for services provided to First Nations students identified as having mild to profound special education needs.

In addition, students assessed with moderate to profound special education needs are also eligible for funding under the High-Cost Special Education Program.

The Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

The goals of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities target:

• Individuals – help them find and maintain good jobs, advance in their careers or become entrepreneurs;
• Employers – help them to diversify their workforces by creating inclusive and accessible workplaces; and
• Enablers – increase the supply, capacity, and reach of individuals and organizations that work to support disability inclusion and accessibility in employment.

Early investments in the Employment Strategy are being made through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The Employment Strategy is also leveraging other targeted and broad-based ESDC programs to support labour market participation of persons with disabilities. This includes, for example, the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which includes youth with disabilities as a priority, and the Workforce Development Agreements, which represent the Government of Canada's largest investment in skills training and employment programming for persons with disabilities.

Enabling Accessibility Fund

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Provides funding to support the capital costs of construction and renovation projects that improve physical accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces.

The EAF also supports projects that reduce barriers for those with autism. For instance, the Calgary Wildrose Lions Club received funding through the EAF's youth component for the purchase of sensory backpacks. A sensory backpack contains a variety of sensory tools that can be used to both calm and focus a child's sensory system. The sensory backpacks included items that give children the tools for self-regulation; tools for fidgeting and tactile input; tools for focusing attention; tools for proprioceptive input (help with body awareness); and tools for visual input.

The Kilbride to Ferryland Family Resource centre also received funding through the youth component to create calm environments in all of their sites that support children's emotional health, especially those with sensory needs and autism. The proposed project consisted of renovating a sensory room and purchasing sensory friendly equipment and toys.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

Department: Western Economic Diversification Canada

Provides business advisory and related services to persons with disabilities who wish to become entrepreneurs.

Federal Data and Measurement Strategy for Accessibility

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada, Statistics Canada

The strategy will support the measurement of progress in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers in the priority areas set out in the Accessible Canada Act, and mobilize data and information to drive action in advancing accessibility.

Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

Working Together to Prevent Suicide in Canada: The Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention was developed to: reduce stigma and raise public awareness; increase the use of research and best practices in suicide prevention; and, make information and resources about suicide and its prevention available to all Canadians.

Federal Internship Program for Canadians with Disabilities

Department: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Support the increased economic inclusion of persons with disabilities and a more diverse federal public service. Hire 5000 by 2025, resulting in 7% of GoC employees identifying as having a disability.

Home Accessibility Tax Credit

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The Home Accessibility Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that provides recognition of expenses on qualifying accessibility-related home renovations in respect of a dwelling of a qualifying individual who is a senior or a person with disabilities who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

Recent Improvements:

• Budget 2022 changes: The annual expense limit of the Home Accessibility Tax Credit was doubled to better support independent living.

Housing through an Autism lens

Department: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

The Housing through an Autism Lens Solutions Lab will develop a pathway to independent and fulfilling living for Autistic adults. It will determine the right mix of services that support Autistic adults at different stages in their lives. Participants will then co-create housing solutions that recognize and match the housing and independent living needs of Autistic adults.

The Investing in Canada Plan

Department: Infrastructure Canada

The Investing in Canada Plan is designed to achieve three objectives: create long-term economic growth to build a stronger middle class; support the resilience of communities and transition to a clean growth economy; and build social inclusion and socio-economic outcomes for all Canadians.

The Plan is investing in projects that are improving social inclusivity, accessibility for people with disabilities and quality of life for all Canadians.

Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs)

Department: Employment and Social development Canada

Each year, the Government of Canada provides individuals and employers with approximately $3 billion to obtain skills training and employment supports through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories (PTs). These agreements enable PT governments to offer a range of training and employment supports to help Canadians, including persons with disabilities, improve their skills and prepare for their next job. Under these bilateral agreements, PTs are required to consult with labour market stakeholders in their jurisdictions to set priorities and inform the design and delivery of employment programs and services that meet the needs of their local labour markets. These agreements support million Canadians each year, including 380,000 persons with disabilities.

While the LMDAs provide important support to persons with disabilities as they prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce, the WDAs represent the Government of Canada's largest investment in persons with disabilities, serving over 250,000 persons with disabilities each year. Under the WDAs, PTs can support persons with disabilities, regardless of their employment status, by delivering a variety of training and employment supports (for example, training, financial assistance and benefits, employment counselling, and employment opportunities), as well as supporting employers seeking to train current or future employees that may be persons with disabilities.

Through the WDAs, between 2017-2018 and 2022-2023, the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories have invested approximately $2.7 billion for training and employment supports for persons with disabilities. This includes approximately $1.4 billion in federal funding and $1.2 billion in PT cost-matched spending.

Medical Expense Tax Credit

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

The Medical Expense Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit provided in recognition of the effect of non-discretionary, above-average, medical or disability-related expenses on the ability to pay tax.

A Refundable Medical Expense Supplement is also available to eligible low-income workers with qualifying expenses.

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Department: Health Canada

Health Canada provides funding to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), a national not-for-profit corporation and a registered charity which works to improve mental health outcomes for all people in Canada by offering accessible training programs that support mental health in communities and workplaces and lead research and program initiatives that emphasize people-centred values like lived and living experience. These include: suicide prevention; stigma and discrimination access to high-quality, culturally appropriate mental health services; workplace psychological health and safety; and, substance use health. MHCC developed The Mental Health Strategy for Canada.

Modernization of the Employment Equity Act

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada – Labour Program

Since its introduction in 1986, progress has been made for the four designated groups under the Employment Equity Act – persons with disabilities, women, Indigenous peoples and members of visible minorities – however, many workers continue to face barriers to equity. In order to improve equity, diversity and inclusion in federally regulated workplaces, and to keep pace with the economic, demographic and social changes in recent decades, the Government launched a Task Force on July 14, 2021 to conduct an independent review of the Act to help bring it into the 21^st century.

The Task Force conducted approximately 110 engagement sessions with stakeholders, partners, and workers from various communities. Close to 340 participants from over 175 organizations took part. Additionally, 400 formal written submissions and an additional 350 expressions of views shared via electronic correspondence were received. Through this, the Task Force gained a broad range of perspectives - including from persons with different types of disabilities - to provide concrete, independent and evidence-based recommendations on how to modernize the employment equity framework, including the Act.

The report will be made available on Canada.ca. A renewed Act that reflects today's realities will help create more vibrant and diverse federally-regulated workplaces.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency

Introduced in Budget 2022, this refundable tax credit provides support for building a secondary suite for an adult with a disability who is eligible for the DTC or a senior, effective for the 2023 and subsequent taxation years.

National Autism Surveillance

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

PHAC works with FPT partners to provide reliable estimates of the number of autistic Canadians, and to assess whether there are changes over time. Surveillance of autism also allows comparison of the number of autistic Canadians in different areas of the country, as well how the lives of autistic people and their families are impacted.

PHAC's autism surveillance commitment involves two main approaches including enhancing and reporting on existing data sources such as national surveys (for example, Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth 2019 and future cycles) and developing new data sources (for example, assessing the feasibility of using health administrative database algorithms to identify autism in select provinces, and funding Autism Speaks Canada to repeat the Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment Survey).

National Housing Strategy (NHS)

Department: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Launched in 2017, the NHS is a 10-year, $82+ billion plan that is helping Canadians access housing that meets their needs and that they can afford.

National Co-Investment Fund offers low-cost loans and contributions for the construction and repair of affordable housing.

October – Canadian Autism Awareness Month

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

This dedicated month provides an opportunity for people living in Canada to learn more about autism, increase autism acceptance and better support people Autistic people, their families and their caregivers. The Public Health Agency of Canada delivers dedicated communications through social media posts (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), the Canada.ca website and other engagements with stakeholders, partners and the public to foster inclusivity for all.

On-Reserve Income Assistance (IA) program

Department: Indigenous Services Canada

Provides financial supports to eligible on-reserve residents and Status Indians in the Yukon, including low-income Indigenous peoples with disabilities, to cover the costs of their daily living (e.g., food, clothing, rent, personal incidentals).

Opportunities Fund (OF) for Persons with Disabilities

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Helps persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment, advance in their careers or pursue entrepreneurship. The OF also assists employers in hiring persons with disabilities and creating inclusive and accessible workplaces. This includes programming offered through Ready, Willing and Able initiative to help persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder or intellectual disabilities find employment

Pediatric Autism Research Cohort Study

Department: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

CIHR is supporting a research team at McMaster University leading the Pediatric Autism Research Cohort Study, which will follow 1,300 children (ages 2 to 4) with a new Autism diagnosis across 4 provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia. This will be the world's largest autism cohort study and will create new knowledge on the developmental trajectories of Autistic children, help clinicians develop personalized care plans, and support the development of evidence-based programs and policies.

Project Apollo

Department: Health Canada

Explores innovative and accessible digital solutions, which reduce inequities in health communication, to increase awareness and behavior change around environmental health hazards in the home.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

Department: Finance Canada; Canada Revenue Agency; Employment and Social Development Canada

The RDSP is a long-term tax-assisted savings vehicle to help people who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit save for their long-term financial security. Beneficiaries may also be eligible to receive grants and bonds from the Government of Canada to supplement their own contributions in order to build long-term savings.

The Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component (SDPP-D)

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

SDPP-D supports not-for-profit organizations through operating and project funding to increase the participation and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in Canadian society.

Student Work Placement Program

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Supports the creation of work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students across Canada and offers a higher wage subsidy to employers who hire under-represented students, including persons with disabilities, to improve their access to these types of opportunities.

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

9-8-8, Canada's national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress, launched on November 30, 2023. Funded by the Government of Canada and led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 9-8-8 is: available by phone and text accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; provided in English and French; trauma-informed; culturally appropriate; and, available to anyone in Canada. 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is built on the Talk Suicide Canada model. Existing distress and crisis services across the country form the 9-8-8 responders network.

Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP)

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

The SSLP funds a variety of youth-serving organizations to provide Afterschool and Student Supports to help youth graduate high school and transition to/succeed in post-secondary education. Supports include tutoring, mentoring, mental and social wellbeing services, and financial supports. These are targeted to youth facing barriers to success, including youth with disabilities.

As part of the SSLP, the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot (also branded as Global Skills Opportunity / GSO) aims to increase participation of Canadian college and university undergraduate students in study and work abroad, helping students develop in-demand soft skills and intercultural competencies that position them for future labour market success. In particular, GSO prioritizes increasing access for underrepresented students, including students with disabilities, who are eligible to receive additional financial and non-financial supports to reduce barriers to participation.

Wellness Together Canada

Department: Health Canada

The Wellness Together Canada portal was launched in April 2020 to provide free information and support to Canadians in response to the increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wellness Together Canada complements PocketWell – a free app that helps Canadians access free and confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals, and other mental health and substance use prevention services from their phones.

World Autism Awareness Day (April 2)

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

World Autism Day is a UN declared awareness day, a day to come together to raise awareness about autism. PHAC provides an opportunity for people living in Canada to learn more about autism, increase autism acceptance and better support people Autistic people, their families and their caregivers through social media posts (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), the Canada.ca website and other engagement with stakeholders, partners and the public to foster inclusivity for all.

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizontal Government of Canada initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in partnership with 11 federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. The YESS aims to provide youth (aged 15-30) facing multiple barriers to employment with opportunities to gain work experience and develop the skills they need to find and keep quality jobs.

At ESDC, the YESS consists of two programs, the YESS Program and Canada Summer Jobs. Both of these programs include support for youth with disabilities as a priority group, which could include those with autism.

2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals

Department: Multi-department initiative

In September 2015, Canada and all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda), a shared blueprint for partnership, peace and prosperity for all people and the planet, now and into the future. The 2030 Agenda focuses on the commitment to leave no one behind. At the heart of this agenda lie the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to address today's social, economic and environmental challenges.

• Many of the SDGs include aspects of economic and social inclusion.

For example, Goal 4 (quality education), Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth), Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities) and Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities)

Appendix B: Federal Framework on Autism Spectrum Disorder Act

Visit the Justice Laws website to see the Federal Framework for Autism Spectrum Disorder Act.